Critics' Picks

It's not often that "onetime student of Gilles Deleuze" comes up in a musician's bio, but Richard Pinhas -- guitarist, electronic artist and founder of the French band Heldon -- fits the bill. One of the fathers of electronic music in France, Pinhas is often mentioned in close proximity to names like Eno and Fripp, and his latest efforts have included collaborations with Wolf Eyes and Merzbow. Pinhas is currently touring with his son, Duncan Pinhas. They deterritorialize The Shop tonight; Ga'an (from Chicago) and Forget the Times (from Kalamazoo) open, as does local visionary Michael Johnsen. Andy Mulkerin 8 p.m. 4314 Main St., Bloomfield. $8. All ages. 412-951-0622

Fri., May 27 -- World/Folk

EMay -- the local songstress, fire-dancer and general performance artist, who has played with bands like Between Liberties and Kirik Hava -- is currently finishing up her first solo release. (The demo tracks available indicate a pleasant brand of neo-folk with hints of the world music she's played with past bands.) Tonight, she presents an evening of music with Friends: solo sets, collaborations and, she says, no fire-spinning this time, but perhaps some poi (a performance act from New Zealand involving balls on cords). Co-stars tonight include Rob Grey of Several Conclusions, Genya from Machete, ChrissyD from Soma Mestizo and Chris Kleiner of The Sectionals. AM 10 p.m. Club Café, 56 S. 12th St., South Side. $7-10. 412-431-4950 or www.clubcafelive.com

Fri., May 27 -- Southern Folk/Rock

The Avett Brothers might currently be the best-kept secret in the music industry. Although the band has opened for Dave Matthews and John Mayer, it has continued to fly just under the mainstream radar, though still steadily gaining exposure and expanding its fan base. The band's music shifts effortlessly between country, bluegrass, folk and rock; the track "Talk of Indolence" even showcases the group's rapping skills. Fans of Mumford and Sons, Jackie Greeneand Grace Potter and the Nocturnals won't be disappointed when The Avett Brothers visit Stage AE tonight for a show on the lawn. Nicole Atkins opens. Bethie Girmai 6:30 p.m. 400 North Shore Drive, North Side. $38. 412-229-5483

Courtesy of Sean Murphy

Sun., May 29 -- Rock

Weezer'sperpetually eccentric lyrics, fierce staying power and ability to put a fresh spin on its music whilst staying true to its decade-old indie persona has gained and maintained the band plenty of fans. Weezer made a name for itself in the '90s with "Buddy Holly" and "Undone -- The Sweater Song." The band's laid-back melodies -- almost conversational in nature -- are the perfect complement to its powerful but lighthearted pop sound. Reacquaint yourself with Weezer when the band drops by Stage AE. BG 6:30 p.m. 400 North Shore Drive, North Side. $43. 412-229-5483